Bank of Singapore unveils branch in Dubai International Financial Centre

The branch is helmed by veteran banker Kirit Chauhan.

Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of Dubai International Financial Centre His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially opened Bank of Singapore’s branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) on February 19.

The official opening ceremony was attended by the Governor of DIFC, His Excellency Essa Kazim; Group Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Singapore’s parent company OCBC Bank, Samuel Tsien; Chief Operating Officer of OCBC Bank and Chairman of Bank of Singapore, Ching Wei Hong; and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Singapore, Bahren Shaari; as well as 250 of the private bank’s clients. 

With the establishment of its DIFC office, Bank of Singapore seeks to usher in a new growth phase in its history in the Middle East. The branch is helmed by veteran banker Kirit Chauhan and supported by a team of 75 employees.

Commenting on the opening of the DIFC branch, Bank of Singapore Chief Executive Officer, Bahren Shaari said: “This is an important milestone for Bank of Singapore. The Middle East, specifically the UAE, has always been an integral part of our business. The setting up of this branch in DIFC further strengthens our franchise and commitment to serve the burgeoning population of ultra-high and high-net worth individuals in this region.”

Bank of Singapore’s presence in the Middle East goes back over 20 years. It opened its representative office in Dubai in 1996, before the DIFC was set up in 2004.